Fairfax County has
long been an innovator in government, and has been recognized several
times for its original ideas and successful programs.

The county is governed
by a full-time County Executive, who serves at the pleasure of an elected
Board of Supervisors. The Mount Vernon and Lee Magisterial Districts have
one supervisor each on the board.

Police protection
is provided by the Fairfax County Police Department, which maintains a
regional station in Mount Vernon. The department includes 1,050 officers
and more than 400 civilian employees.

Additional services
are provided by the Fairfax County Sheriffs Office, one of the oldest
in the state. With more than 500 employees, its also one of the
largest sheriffs departments in Virginia.

Fire and emergency/rescue
services are provided by the Fairfax CountyFire
and Rescue Department, composed of both professional and volunteer workers.
The county maintains 35 fire stations throughout the county, including
one in Mount Vernon.

Residents
throughout Fairfax County have access to 911 service for all emergency
calls.